Pregnancy & Childbirth

  1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Pregnancy & Childbirth

Positions for Breastfeeding Your Baby - Cradle Hold, Football Hold, Cross Cradle

By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com

2 of 9

The Cross Cradle Hold

Cross Cradle Hold
I really like the cross cradle hold. I found it easier to hold the baby and manage my breast as I was learning to nurse. The baby is in the same position as the cradle hold, but here you can use your hands more effectively to help steer the baby's head, while the other hand maneuvers the breast. The forearm is used to support the baby's body.

So, if you're feeding from the right breast, your right hand manages the breast while the left hand hold the back of the baby's head and the left arm supports the baby.

Photo © Robin Elise Weiss

Explore Pregnancy & Childbirth

About.com Special Features

Pregnancy & Childbirth

  1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Pregnancy & Childbirth
  4. Feeding Your Baby
  5. Early Breastfeeding
  6. Positions for Breastfeeding Your Baby - Cradle Hold, Football Hold, Cross Cradle, Side Lying

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.